Piedmont Academy’s Zach Beggs connected for three home runs and had seven RBI as the Cougars defeated Bethlehem Christian Academy 7-1 Thursday afternoon at Knights Field.

The win avenged an 8-6 loss earlier this season for Piedmont when BCA rallied for a win in 10 innings.
Knights coach Colby May said Thursday’s game, despite the loss, was good for his team.

“We need to play strong opponents,” May said. “Playing a team like this challenges us. We haven’t played a full seven innings the last several times out. We didn’t want to lose, but to play a team like this with a history of success would be beneficial in the playoffs.”

BCA, the defending Class A champion and currently ranked No. 1 in GISA Class A, was playing up against the Class AA Cougars, who are having a standout season of their own. Thursday’s win was the 19th of 2014 for Piedmont.

Beggs connected on a two-run homer in the top of the first and then delivered another two-run blast in the top of the third inning.

BCA pushed a run across in the bottom of the third on an RBI single by P.J. Klein. The Knights had a chance to score more runs in the inning but a double play, started by a dropped line drive to short stop, ended the rally.
Beggs closed the door on BCA in the top of the sixth with a three-run homer.

“I tried to just keep it simple and make solid contact,” Beggs said. “I like playing Bethlehem because they are a good team. They beat us the first time this season so we knew we had to be ready to compete.”

Klein was the starting pitcher for the Knights and worked four innings. He recorded five strikeouts and was effective for the most part with the exception of the times he faced Beggs.

Luke Allen, who started the game behind the plate, worked the final three innings for BCA and gave up the final homer to Beggs.

Piedmont’s Mike Davis went the distance allowing just three hits while striking out seven. He allowed just two walks and one run to a BCA team which typically has plenty of offensive firepower.

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